Flashback Friday: Beach

The heat index is at record highs these days. Right now in Miami, Fl its about 93 degrees but feels like it’s 100 — Yikes! Gotta love Florida, when it’s hot, it’s scorching hot. After scrolling through a few pictures, I’d thought I share a few beach shots. I love the beach and I never need an excuse to pack up and go…well I do live in the sunshine state and only 15 minutes away from sandy beaches. 😉 #luckygirl

As I look at these pictures, I am immediately transported. #smiling. There is nothing like feeling the warm sand in between your toes and soaking up the sun.  #love

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.

I’m on my way to Naples, Fl for the weekend.  Beach here I come… 😉

Peace & Love xoxo

Money…

People argue about it.  People fight about it.  People work hard for it.  People even kill for it.   All for MONEYYou see, we live in a world where you need money to survive.  It’s sad but true.   Hugs and kisses are free though… 😉

Why is it that some people can’t have a conversation without mentioning money?  I wish I had their money!  It must be nice to have that type of money! These people have so much money, it’s sick!  Really?  What’s so sick about having tons of money?  The way I see it, if you work hard in life you can have anything you want.  Dreams come true when you pursue them.  Take a step back and look at your life.  You are exactly where you have chosen to be.  You have the choice to change your life at any given moment.  There is always a choice.  Remember: Everyone’s circumstances are different therefore their life is different.

I was chatting with a friend this morning and he said that he didn’t care what problems those rich folks had as long as he had the money, he would deal with it.  I was taken back for a moment…  So if these people had heartache and pain he would endure it and it would be easy because he had a large bank roll? #justmythought. I could not believe he would say such a thing.  Yes, money makes everything so much easier but loosing a child, parent or someone you love is more valuable than a piece of paper.  Money can’t prevent death.  Money can’t cure a disease. How many millions, billions, and trillions of dollars have been spent trying to find cures for diseases with no luck.   #foodforthought

My dear friend,  Everyone has problems, the rich and the poor.  Money can’t buy happiness just material things.  Remember not all that shines is golden.   Money does take the mind off the finances and lets you live without the added stress of bills.  If your dream is too own a house in Coco Plum and have a summer home in the Hampton’s, I pray your dreams come true.  I wish you every bit of success.  While in the process of pursuing your dreams, don’t lose site of what really matters.  Play the lotto, you might just be the next millionaire.  I want you too have everything your heart desires and more.  Love you, Your friend.

The trick is to stop thinking of it as ‘your’ money. – IRS auditor

I wish I had a magic wand to give everyone I love just enough to live without the added stress.  I will one day be able to help those in need… #mygoal.

Ironic that I’m writing about money staying at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – HA!  This is another topic for another day… to be continued.

Peace & Love xoxo

Humor moment…

After the day I’ve had, I thought I share with you my humor moment…

There is nothing I love more than seeing the hubs upset because people think he is old(er) than what he actually is or if they think I’m his sister or daughter. (Seriously!?) You should see how insulted he gets.  It’s hysterical. #laughingoutloud

Laughter is good for the soul.

We were waiting in line to go through security at the airport when the TSA officer called us next, I handed him our passports, he looks up and says “Are you traveling with your daughter today?”  I could not help but laugh, he made my day but the hubs was not amused.  He looked at officer and said, “No, that’s my wife.”  The officer just smirked, I’m sure he was just playing around. I, on the other hand was all smiles…you see, I am only 3 1/2 years younger than the hubs, that’s why he get upset.  The difference is that his hair is platinum salt & pepper (natural) and I’m a brunette.

I’m not going to lie, I definitely love his hair color.  I think it’s sexy.  He threatens to darken it every time we have a humor moment but I tell him that I love him just the way he is, white hairs and all. 😉

“No need to be so complex about your looks, Babe.”  Wait a minute, let me rewind for a second… I suppose if the tables were turned I would be singing a different tune. O_o  #truth

Does he make me look younger?  I’m 36 and he’s 39.  😉  It’s the white hair, right!?

Peace & Love xoxo

Disconnected…

I have been back for a week now but I feel like my mind is still looking at this view…

Somewhere in Virginia

I completely disconnected and it was fantastic. No worries, no cares — completely cleared my mind of everything.   I’m trying to get my head back in the game and ready to start babbling again but every time I look at the picture I get transported.  It was peaceful and serene, simply breathtaking.

The greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.

I’ll be back later…  Peace & Love xoxo

Flashback Friday – Childhood

I absolutely love looking at my childhood pictures when I’m at my moms house. Brings back great memories – happy thoughts.  If only I was a kid again…the good old days. #lovingmemories 😉 While reminiscing I came across one of my favorites.  My brother is getting in trouble for something I did… HA!

I believe we were in a photo booth and who knows what happened that my father reached in and pulled my brother’s hair. Perfect picture moment.  Look at my smile… I was definitely daddy’s little girl.  😉

We do not remember days; we remember moments.

Happy Weekend…  Peace & Love xoxox

Have I lost my humility?

I’m talking about humility today because I feel like I’ve lost mine for a moment. I was sitting in an older model car (2000) and I felt uncomfortable, sort of out-of-place. A million thoughts flooded my head at the moment then I started to have that internal battle with myself. Who the fuck was I to think I was less of a person for sitting my ass in an older car? I couldn’t believe that I would even think something so absurd. I am ashamed and embarrassed to say it but I needed a reality check. This moment of uncertainty got me thinking, Have I lost my humility? Yes, but …

I only lost it for about 5 seconds before I punched my inner arrogance in the face. I was born and raised in a happy humble home where I had everything I needed. Now as an adult I live a pretty good life, drive a nice car, but I should never forget my humble beginnings.

I called my mother and discussed my thoughts with her and she said, “My dear Melissa, that’s just a part of life. It’s easy to get accustomed to having the best things in life but you shouldn’t beat yourself up about your thoughts. I have heard many people say the same thing in different circumstances and with the economy these days, more and more people are feeling it.” Thank you, Mom.

Thinking about it..

I know many people who have had to downsize every aspect of their life and it wasn’t an easy transition, they too had moments of uncertainty, lost their humility but quickly regained it because at the end of the day, material things are just that…material things.

Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.

What are your thoughts?
Peace and Love xoxo

My food picture diary….

I’m scrolling through 3,035 pictures on my iPhone and I came across several food shots, now I’m curious to see how many pictures I have taken of food and drinks throughout the years.  The hubs and I are foodies and eat out very often. 😉 Have you ever taken a picture of your food or drink? Don’t deny it, you know you have. HA!

Here, then, is my food picture diary… (not in any particular order)

I’m sure I didn’t upload all the pics but I have to say, it was nice scrolling down memory lane.  My taste buds are tingling.  So grateful that I am blessed with a good life.

Savor the moment…

Note to self: You’re a fat ass… LOL

Peace & Love xoxo

Tuccia di Capri

I had the most wonderful experience at Tuccia di Capri.  It was heaven at first step.  The Italian Riviera in South Beach (how divine) — I felt like I was in the Isle of Capri watching the cobblers at work.  You see, the concept is simple. Choose a style: flat sole, low wedge, or high wedge. Choose from a variety of leathers, and jewels and design your own sandal. Deciding is the hard part. Styles range from Classic to Riviera Glam.

Once you have chosen your design, an in-house cobbler will measure your feet and start to work.  Within an hour or so, your made-to-measure fit sandals are complete.  You can stay and watch as your sandals are custom-made, how cool is that.  The experience comes with a price tag but it’s definitely worth it.

My pair:

Ladies, you need to get yourself a pair.  They are absolutely “Bellissima”

You can also get a custom pair made for your little bambina!

“Sandals are the timeless shoe…” – Guiseppe Zanotti

Happy Shopping .. Peace & Love xoxo

What’s on your mind?

Have you ever asked someone, “What’s on your mind?” and their immediate reply was “Nothing.”  What did you think?  How could they not be thinking about anything if they seem lost in thought, right?  What could be going on in their head?  Hello, wake up in there.  What’s on your mind?  Talk to me…

Do people really want to know what’s on your mind?  Think about it for a minute.  59, 58, 57, 56… are you still thinking?  Well don’t think about it anymore, your answer is probably, No.  You will never fully disclose everything that’s on your mind.  I know it, you know it, but maybe they will never know it. HA!

Imagine these two scenarios:

You ask, “What’s on your mind?”

A person having a good day might say, “I’m thinking about how great my life is, the stars align every night and all is well.”

You: That’s great!

A person having a bad day might say, “Do you really want to know what’s on my mind? Well, since the moment I woke up my day started bad, I stepped on dog poop, slipped on pee, hurt my knee, bite my tongue, had a flat, was late to work, caught my finger on the door, spilled my coffee, missed my deadline, forgot my lunch, misplaced my keys, my husband is a jerk, couldn’t find the car, broke my phone, forgot to call aunt Marie for her birthday, and forgot to pick up the dry cleaners.”  FML !@#!&

You: Oh wow, sorry! Mental note: Never ask this person again…

Never ask a person what’s on their mind unless you sincerely want to know but be ready if you open a flood gate of thoughts….

“Things aren’t the way they are, they’re the way you are” 😉

Peace & Love xoxo